Ring Care Guide

Keep Your Ring Looking Its Best

Every Rustic & Main ring is built to be worn every day. Here’s what you need to know to keep it that way — whether you have a solid metal band, an inlaid ring, or an engagement ring.

Water & Chemicals

Wear it through everything

Shower, swim, wash dishes, use hand sanitizer — solid metal rings don’t care. There’s no coating to protect and no inlay that can be damaged. These bands are metal all the way through, so none of the chemical restrictions that apply to inlaid rings apply here.

Pool, ocean, gym, yard work — you’re good.

Scratches & Wear

Scratches are part of it

Micro-scratches from daily life — opening doors, working with your hands, moving boxes — are completely normal and are generally considered character on a well-worn ring.

Most surface scratches can be buffed out at home with a jewelry polishing cloth. After polishing, follow up with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any residue. For larger dents or significant damage, reach out and we’ll help you assess the right path forward.

The Bottom Line

Solid metal rings are built for people who don’t want to think about their ring. Wear it every day, through everything. If you want to be cautious, take it off during heavy contact sports or work involving serious impact — not because it can’t handle it, but because those situations are most likely to cause a dent.

01 — Water

Everyday water is fine

Washing your hands and showering won’t hurt your ring. The medical-grade epoxy seal handles normal, everyday water exposure without any issues.

Where it matters: pools and the ocean. Repeated exposure to chlorine or salt water over time can slowly wear down the epoxy coating. Take it off before a long swim or beach day if you want to be safe.

02 — Chemicals

Remove before chemicals

Harsh chemicals can erode the epoxy seal. Remove your ring before contact with the substances listed below.

Hand sanitizer is the one people forget most — the high alcohol content slowly erodes the epoxy finish. Let it dry completely on your hands before putting your ring back on.

Bleach Acetone / Nail Polish Remover Ammonia Hand Sanitizer Household Cleaners

03 — Scratches & Impact

Scratches are normal

Micro-scratches from daily activity are expected and are part of a well-worn ring. Most surface scratches can be buffed out at home with a jewelry polishing cloth, followed by a wipe-down with a clean microfiber cloth to remove residue.

For larger issues like dents or damaged inlays, reach out to us right away so we can assess repairs before the damage spreads.

04 — Watch the Coating

Catch it early

Keep an eye on your ring’s epoxy coating for any flaking or discoloration. If you notice something starting, contact us as soon as possible. A refinish while the damage is minor is quick and low-cost. Waiting until the coating has lifted significantly risks exposing the inlay underneath — a much bigger repair.

Don’t wait — reach out early

The most common repair mistake is waiting too long. If your coating shows any sign of wear, flaking, or discoloration — contact us immediately. Early action means a simple refinish. Once moisture or debris gets under the coating, the repair becomes significantly more involved.

Stone Care

Protect the stone

Hard stones like diamonds, sapphires, and moissanite stand up to everyday wear without issue. Softer or natural stones like moss agate can chip with direct impact. As a general rule, remove your ring during heavy-impact activities regardless of stone type.

Prong Checks

Check your prongs regularly

Prongs hold your stone in place and can loosen or bend over time with everyday wear. Every few months, gently press the stone with your fingertip — if it moves or rocks at all, bring it in immediately. A loose prong is a quick fix. A lost stone isn’t.

Cleaning

Keep it sparkling

Lotion, soap, and skin oils build up under a stone and dull its brilliance over time. A gentle soak in warm water with a small drop of dish soap, then a soft toothbrush around the setting, restores the sparkle. Dry thoroughly. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on natural or softer stones.

White Gold Rings Only

Rhodium dipping keeps white gold bright

White gold isn’t naturally bright white — it gets its signature look from a thin layer of rhodium plating applied during manufacturing. That plating wears down with daily wear, and over time the ring will slowly develop a slightly warmer, more yellow tone as the gold alloy underneath starts to show through. This is completely normal and not a defect in your ring.

To restore the original bright white finish, you’ll need to have the ring rhodium dipped (re-plated) by a local jeweler. For a ring worn daily, plan on doing this every 1–2 years. The first sign it’s time is usually a subtle yellowing on the underside of the band where it sees the most wear. The process is quick, takes about a day, costs roughly $40–$80 at most jewelers, and makes the ring look brand new again.

Jeweler’s Mutual Insurance

Protect Your Ring Beyond the Workshop

Our warranty covers craftsmanship — but life happens outside the workshop too. Jeweler’s Mutual covers loss, theft, mysterious disappearance, and accidental damage that goes beyond normal wear. It’s the only jewelry-specific insurer we trust enough to recommend by name.

Learn About Ring Insurance →

Loss & Theft

Covered if your ring is lost, stolen, or goes missing — even if you just can’t find it.

Accidental Damage

Repairs for damage beyond normal wear, including stone loss or severe damage from accidents.

Worldwide Coverage

Your ring is covered whether you’re in Huntersville or halfway around the world.

Jewelry-Specific

Written specifically for jewelry — not a rider on a homeowner’s policy with surprises in the fine print.

Notice something? Don’t wait.

If your ring’s coating is showing any sign of wear, flaking, or discoloration — contact us immediately. A quick refinish while the damage is small is an easy fix. Waiting until the inlay is exposed is a much bigger job. We want your ring to last a lifetime, and that starts with catching things early. Reach out here →